The concept of salvation has not only been minimized (my earlier post), it has been made into a sort of Las Vegas magical trick of sorts. In our self-estrangement from God, we move into an arena of arrogance and pride in who we are as humans, capable of so many great things. Salvation isn’t like pulling a rabbit out of a hat, everyone cheering, and then going on about our own merry way. That’s what many do. That’s what the church too often believes and accepts. But neither are valid. Continue reading ‘No Magical Transactions’
Archive for the 'Beyond Theism' Category
Page 2 of 15
Too many churches and denominations have rested! They’re resting because God is said to be in the 7th day rest (wrong), and because Jesus did it all on the cross. In other words, way too many have accepted the Mini-me version of the Godhead. Let’s talk salvation here. For whatever it means, it’s far more than we are accepting. Minimally, and I say that reverently, salvation is redemption from SIN. But for God’s sake, don’t stop there! Continue reading ‘Salvistic Benefits Card’
I am in the midst of writing a ten part series on LRC Houston entitled “Revisiting The Bible“. I say that because I don’t want what I’m about to write to be misinterpreted. But, written propositional statements is no longer the primary way the God reveals Himself to man, nor how man comprehends God. Should it have ever been? Continue reading ‘Self Disclosure’
I am sure that everyone would affirm that their life is changing, evolving, and being transformed. The question is whether or not it’s going FAST ENOUGH to make much of a difference in your life before you leave this world? The church is one of the most conservative institutions in the world and we should all be alarmed to the point of doing something about it- personally. Like, don’t resist every new idea, don’t try to hold on to untenable doctrines, and fantasy stories: especially in light of incontrovertable evidence to the contrary. Let me share with you one of the most sad and ridiculous examples. Continue reading ‘Let’s Be More Responsive’
Help me make this simple Holy Spirit! What is the Christian concept of atonement? Simply stated it is reconciliation and or redemption: the work of Jesus and the accomplishment of the crucifixion and resurrection. You still with me here? When we add the word “substitution” before it, we have the spiritual food that I was fed early in life. Namely that Jesus died “in my place” because that was the only way that the taint of original sin could be eradicated. What if you (or anyone) don’t believe in original sin, which I don’t? How’s that come into play then? Continue reading ‘Substitutionary Atonement’s Guilt’
Who can comprehend God, let alone such an event as the Cross? But, I believe God has put the desire in each of us to know Him, however slight that may be. It seems that with each apparent answer that I uncover, I create more questions. Such is the nature of God Himself. Last night I had one of those “openings” wherein a light broke through creating many rays scattering in so many directions. The initial “hearing” was posted on Ask Spiritual Advice. And this is one of the follow up rays. Continue reading ‘Human Rage Exhausted’
I end this three-part series today with the primary reason that I cannot accept a virgin birth story. It’s not that I don’t need one, which I don’t. It’s not because there are dozens of virgin birth stories prior to Jesus, and there were. It’s not because everyone but Luke and Matthew are silent and never mention a virgin birth, which silence speaks volumes. I take the position against the literalness (myth) of the virgin birth story, because for me you can’t eat your cake and keep it too. You can’t say that God was fully man as ancient creeds have, and then say He was supernaturally born. Or at least I can’t! How does that work? Other than just saying that it does? Continue reading ‘# 3- Virgin Birth Myth’
In the midst of a battle for whose Dad can beat up whose Dad, the world of fantasy often comes into play. Usually the playground boasts are made by kids who have never seen the other kid’s dad. So it is with religion. One doesn’t have to know anything about another so-called diety because we just automatically know that our god can trash your god! In a heart beat! Is there any wonder-doubt that Christians would want the “power” of a virgin birth when so many religions before Jesus had so proclaimed. CLICK HERE, for just a few. Continue reading ‘# 2- Virgin Birth Myth’
Before I begin this multi-part series around the virgin birth, let me advise those readers who may not already know that I do not belief in the “literal virgin birth” of Jesus. I simply do not NEED a virgin birth to validate the fact that God was in Jesus reconciling Himself to the world, nor that a virgin birth is necessary for any incarnational stance. Even before the Age of Enlightenment, well before the Newton, Galileo, and the more recent scientific innovations, the virgin birth was looked upon more as a MYTH. Myths are good, necessary, and critical to all societies. Let me explain. Continue reading ‘# 1- Virgin Birth Myth’
Why FOUR Gospels? Why not just one? When teh “word became flesh”, we needed not only the “teachings” of Jesus, but the “story” of Jesus as well. As Emil Brunner (1889 – 1966 an eminent and highly influential Swiss theologian who is commonly associated with the neo-orthodoxy or dialectical theology movement) put it, “All other religions deal primarily with doctrines which are the revelations, but no story of the revelation”. Where would we be without the stories of Jesus? Continue reading ‘Portraits Not Photographs’
Latest Comments